Spacecraft orbital dynamics is a course taught in English for undergraduate students in the School of Aerospace Engineering in Beijing Institute of Technology. It is a cornerstone course for aerospace engineering students, covering basic theories of orbital dynamics, including two-body problem, orbital maneuvers, relative motion, orbital perturbations, deep-space trajectories, and three-body problem. It also involves the application of orbital dynamics in real-world space missions, and presents world’s, especially China’s, great achievements and latest developments in aerospace engineering.
This online course has the following characteristics:
In terms of teaching form, first, this course is available in two languages, English and Chinese. The English version is for international students and overseas audiences, while the Chinese version is for Chinese students and related audiences. Second, contents of the course are presented using clean and elegant slides, aiming to provide students with aesthetic pleasure to let them discover the beauty of orbits. Thirdly, to attract more people to pay attention to this course and to teaching in aerospace engineering, a course theme song “Starry Sea: Trajectory” has been released, which is now available on NetEase Cloud Music. The song has beautiful melodies and inspiring lyrics.
In terms of contents, first, a fine knowledge system of orbital dynamics is reorganized, and the contents of the course is carefully selected and organized, and innovative design in teaching is carried out. Second, Secondly, based on our research experience in spacecraft dynamics and control, I incorporate into the teaching process the latest scientific achievements and insights on how to learn and conduct scientific research. Thirdly, and most importantly, based on world’s, especially China’s, great achievements in aerospace engineering, many cases or stories which are closely related to the teaching content of orbital dynamics are designed.
